Tocardo sign up to test tidal array at EMEC

Dutch marine energy company Tocardo has signed up to demonstrate a pre-commercial tidal turbine array at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) in Orkney.

The contract was signed at the recent International Conference for Ocean Energy (ICOE) in Edinburgh.

Tocardo plans to install eight T2 turbines at EMEC’s grid-connected tidal test site at the Fall of Warness off the island of Eday. Installation is scheduled to begin in 2017.

T2 turbines have already been deployed and proven in the Netherlands at the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier.

The planned array at EMEC is the next step along Tocardo’s path towards commercialising its tidal turbine by proving and validating the technology in a volatile offshore environment in Orkney over an extended, 20-year time period.

“With multiple turbines operational in low, moderate and extreme high tidal flows we now feel comfortable to go offshore.

“The EMEC opportunity will boost the implementation of Tocardo's commercial roll out. Tocardo is looking forward for a long and lasting partnership with EMEC.”

Neil Kermode, EMEC’s managing director said: “It’s fantastic to see Tocardo entering the Scottish market. The tidal array they will deploy at EMEC will act as a stepping stone towards commercial deployments, and we’re delighted to be working with Tocardo towards that future.”